Is the Snowshoe good for you?
- 1Snowshoe cats, with their characteristic white paws, are about as friendly as cats can get.
- 2The Snowshoe cat is always searching for the party and loves to sing along to any noise.
- 3The short-haired Snowshoe does not require much in the way of grooming.
HISTORY
An offshoot first discovered in a litter of Siamese cats in the early 1960s, these white footed cats were then bred with Domestic Shorthairs exhibiting a tuxedo pattern, in the hopes of cultivating that white pawed pattern. Eventually, these cats developed the trademark white "V" on their muzzle, and like that the breed was born. They were first accepted as a championship breed in 1994.
Quick Facts
Size
Medium, Large
Lifespan
Average of 12 years
Hair Length
Short
Litter Size
An average of 5 kittens
Male Weight
9 - 12 pounds
Female Weight
7 - 10 pounds
Personality
A fun-loving, affectionate, smart breed, the Snowshoe is kind of difficult to pin down. Some Snowshoes are shy, while others are downright bossy. Typically a talkative cat, the Snowshoe is good at letting their people know what it is they need. Inquisitive, these cats are good at figuring out how to get past closed doors or cabinets. They love to be around their people, and are good at training them to do what they want, so watch out!.
Color
The Snowshoe has similar coloring to their Siamese brethren, but with the exception that their paws and nose are white, and they may have other patches of white.
Health Concerns
The average life-expectancy of the breed is 915 years. No breed specific health problems are reported.
Appearance
The Snowshoe is a medium-sized cat with a skinny, muscular build; large, ovular eyes; and tall, pointy ears. Their fur is medium to short in length, and they have trademark white markings on their paws and running up their nose. Snowshoe kittens are born white, but gradually darken until they are fully colored. Their body is long, and athletically built, making them quite nimble and quick, even for a cat.